Procedure Guide · Injectables
Botox in Gangnam: The Practical Guide
From forehead lines to jaw slimming — what Korean clinics actually offer, and why the brand on the vial changes the price.
The three things people call 'botox'
1. Wrinkle botox relaxes the muscles that crease the skin — forehead, frown lines (glabella), crow's feet, bunny lines. Lasts 3–4 months. 2. Jaw (masseter) botox shrinks the chewing muscle to slim a square jaw; effect builds over weeks and lasts longer. 3. Body botox — calf slimming, trapezius (shoulder line), and underarm botox for excessive sweat (hyperhidrosis). Same molecule, very different dosing and technique.
Domestic vs. imported brands
Same principle, different price — and both work.
Korea makes several domestic botulinum toxins (e.g. Coretox, Botulax, Nabota) that are widely used and much cheaper than imported Botox (Allergan), Xeomin (Merz). Imported brands are not automatically 'better' for every case, but some patients prefer them for consistency or if a domestic product hasn't worked well. The right move: ask which brand is included in the quoted price, and don't assume the cheapest banner price uses the brand you expect.
What to verify before you pay
Approximate 2026 price range in Gangnam
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Wrinkle botox (per area, domestic) | ₩30,000 – ₩100,000 |
| Jaw / masseter (domestic) | ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 |
| Imported brand (Botox/Xeomin, per area) | ₩100,000 – ₩250,000 |
| Body (calf / trapezius) | ₩150,000 – ₩500,000 |
Cheaper advertised prices often exclude anesthesia, design fee, VAT, or use a lower device tier — compare all-in totals.
Where to get Botox — our shortlist
Botox result rides on placement and honest brand disclosure. Among profiled clinics, these combine injectable focus with transparency.
1. Gold J Clinic — Seolleung
An injectables-specialty clinic with the deepest local review base on our list (2,700+) — high volume of exactly this kind of work.
2. Abijou Clinic — Cheongdam
Publishes botox event pricing openly every month and runs seven-language support — the transparent, foreigner-ready pick.
3. Brandnew Clinic — Cheongdam
Botox placed within a whole-face design approach; good for jaw and expression balance rather than isolated units.
4. PIND Dermatology — Apgujeong
Dermatologist-led, concern-based consultation — solid for wrinkle and expression botox with a medical lens.
5. BLS Clinic — Cheongdam
Single-doctor care — the person who assesses your muscles injects them.
These are clinics we have profiled that offer this treatment, shortlisted by relevant strength — editorial, based on public info. Device tier, shot/line count, and who operates matter more than the name; confirm directly, and apply the 5-check method.
FAQ
How long does botox last?
Wrinkle botox typically 3–4 months; jaw and body botox often longer as the muscle stays reduced. Results build over 3–7 days for wrinkles and over 2–4 weeks for jaw slimming.
Domestic or imported botox — does it matter?
For most first-timers, quality domestic Korean botox works well and costs far less. Imported brands (Botox, Xeomin) cost more and some patients prefer them for consistency. Ask which brand your price includes; the cheapest ad may not be the brand you assumed.
Does botox hurt?
The injections are quick fine-needle pricks; most people tolerate them with or without numbing cream. Jaw and body areas use more injection points.
Can botox go wrong?
Poor placement can cause temporary droop, asymmetry, or a frozen look — which is why the injector matters more than the price. These effects are temporary but can last weeks, so choose for skill, not the lowest per-area banner.